Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai has become the latest politician to face criticism from Nigerians after ignoring the Twitter ban to give a reply to a tweet on the microblogging platform.
Why does it matter?
The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory resurfaced on Twitter to give a reply to a tweet from a fan who praised him for his good works during his time as a minister.
The Big Picture.
Governor El-Rufai’s last tweet was on June 6th, a day after the suspension of Twitter by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Therefore, seeing a tweet from the Governor caught the attention of other Nigerian.
The tweet was by Taiwo Ajakaye with the handle, @dmightyangel. He tweeted, “I really wish we will get more @elrufai in politics. The man left FCT and till date, the Federal Capital Territory has not been able to have another FCT minister that is close to the shoe latchet of El-Rufai in terms of courage, administration, performance & focus, 14 years ago o.”
In response to the tweet, Mr. Governor wrote, “This is an exaggerated compliment
@dmightyangel but thank you for some of the words of encouragement. God Bless our nation. – @elrufai”.
Also, popular #EndSARS campaigner, and human rights activist, Rinu Oduala tweeted that “The only place you get the freedom of speech is outside Nigeria,” in the comment section.
Human Rights activist, Aisha Yesufu also called out the Governor for the hypocrisy of using the platform outside the country, while the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), an All Progressive Congress member like himself, had banned the use of Twitter in Nigeria.
Human Rights activist, Aisha Yesufu also called out the Governor for the hypocrisy of using the platform outside the country,
“You really should be absolutely and disgustingly ashamed of yourself @elrufai,” she wrote. “You are going outside to enjoy the very basic thing a government you are part of have denied the people. While enjoying Twitter without VPN, you also enjoy the security you have denied your people.”